Report: Redskins have no plans or interest in trading Cousins

Posted by Mike Florio on February 21, 2014, 8:51 AM EST

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When former Washington coach Mike Shanahan justified his decision to shut down quarterback Robert Griffin III for the final three games of the 2013 season by suggesting that solid performances by backup Kirk Cousins could yield a first-round pick in trade, the cat was out of the bag.

The Redskins may now be trying to stuff the cat back into the bag.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Redskins “have no plans nor interest in trading” Cousins. Added Schefter: “He’s not going anywhere.”

While it makes every bit of sense for the Redskins to keep Cousins around, given the injuries suffered by Griffin and a style of play conducive to more, it’s hard to completely rule out the possibility that the Redskins are simply trying to increase trade value by creating the impression they don’t want to trade him.

Last year, it was the Vikings who publicly declared they have “no intent” to trade receiver Percy Harvin. And then the Vikings traded Harvin to the Seahawks.

With the NFL’s muckety-mucks already gathered in Indy for the last two days, there’s a chance the Redskins have gotten some initial feelers from interested teams about potential trade value, and that the Redskins didn’t like what they were hearing. So now they’re putting out the word privately that they have “no plans nor interest” in trading Cousins.

Which may be just different enough from “no intent” to get people to actually believe it.

Of course they are interested in trading they only want teams to wow them with an offer. My guess is they are not getting 2nd round offers for Cousins, which is expected due to the Kevin Kolb’s of the world.

Let’s see…San Fran gave Tampa Bay a 2nd rd pick and a 4th rd pick in 1987 for a player widely described as a QB “bust” and replaced him with Vinny Testaverde – not exactly a slouch, but educated fans will remember how that story played out for the so- called “bust” Steve Young.

Not drawing a direct comparison between Cousins & Young, but the scenarios do have many similarities. Those slagging on Cousins now may wind up eating their words one day.

Until they know for absolute certain what they’ve got in RGIII, they’d be wise to keep Cousins around. But, if someone’s will to pay a king’s ransom for the guy, you’ve got to make the deal.

If RGIII struggles again next season, you’ve got a backup plan and your franchise isn’t set back 3-5 years. If RGIII has a good year, you can trade him for the aforementioned king’s ransom or Cousins for a pretty decent deal. It’s a pretty good “problem” to have.

If RGIII struggles again next season, you’ve got a backup plan and your franchise isn’t set back 3-5 years. If RGIII has a good year, you can trade him for the aforementioned king’s ransom or Cousins for a pretty decent deal. It’s a pretty good “problem” to have.

Absolutly a High Class Problem. But can RGIII handle it. His has been upset by the situation since they were both drafted.

was confirmed bob asked shanny can we only show my good plays in the film room and axe the bad film because there is no point dwelling on the bad plays.Well how about we show your 71 yard college run every time you throw a pic lol.Stop babying this guy and we all know that kirk isnt going anywhere until bob can prove he isnt a one year wonder.

Now synder is throwing big jack around over paying for free agents skins are done,Deangalo hall, isnt that guy like 50 years old.Same old story no coach and synder overpaying for watered down talent.wow sad to be a skin fan.

They didnt play bob the last three games because bob was having a hard time dealing with the ruff patch of interceptions and bad play.Is boby woby ok now .can he get some milk and cookies.hahahahahaa.WHAT A BUUUUUUUUUUSST

If they let him go, they’ll pay more for his replacement, and that guy probably won’t have as much potential. So if I was Gruden, I would’ve sat Kirk down on Day 1 & told him to stop chirping and get comfy because he’s not going anywhere until I’m 100% sure RG3 is going to last.

The Redskins would trade Cousins for a third round pick in an instant. Nobody will give them a third round pick. With a first second or third round pick you can get a guy that you know will be able to play. With Cousins you’ve got a guy who for sure needs to learn to play, and He has had 2 years and 5 starts, and a QB rating of 53. and 4 TD’s to 9 turnovers. You must be high on Crack to compare him to Steve Young.

guess what cousins and rg3 both stink. Skins are a joke of a franchise and will continue to be as long as danny boy is in charge. All of the empty stadiums seats during the last game of the season is proof.